Unifor - Windsor Regional Hospital workers shocked by layoffs

WINDSOR, ON: Unifor members working at Windsor Regional Hospital were shocked by the news of the hospital's plan to layoff 80 workers, including those in housekeeping and food services.

Windsor Regional Hospital CEO David Musyj is trying to sell these layoffs as necessary cost improvements that will have no impact on direct patient care, said National President Jerry Dias. That could not be further from the truth. These layoffs will result in longer wait times for patients to receive hospital beds and delivery of food services.

The hospital commissioned the Erie St.Clair Local Health Integration Network and Ministry of Health to conduct a review of its programs, management and funding levels. The review found the hospital needed to save $7.3 million to balance its budget over the next couple of years.

The hospital's motto is outstanding care - no exceptions, but in this case it seems treating workers poorly is an exception the hospital prides itself in, said Tullio DiPonti President of Unifor Local 2458. Our members were taken aback by today's announcement. The hospital had given us no notice of our members being laid off.

Unifor Local 2458 has requested a meeting next week with senior management to discuss the proposed layoffs. The local will be holding membership meetings where an update will be provided.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. Unifor represents more than 50,000 skilled trades workers and apprentices in 63 types of skilled across Canada working in over 20 sectors. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.